Spotlight: Vạn Niên Vegan Baguette & Food & Coffee & Tea
Vạn Niên Vegan Baguette & Food & Coffee & Tea, below as Van Nien, is a small business dedicated to bringing healthy, flavorful Vietnamese vegetarian and vegan cuisine to the community. The menu features a wide variety of delicious plant-based dishes, including bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette sandwiches) with options such as vegan ham and shredded vegan pork, as well as phở (Vietnamese vegan noodle soup), curry, crispy rolls, and many other comforting dishes. Van Nien also offers catering for events, with options such as stir-fried noodles, fried rice, and other Vietnamese favorites.
“For me, Van Nien is more than just a food business. It is a way to live out my values through honest work, kindness, and service to others.” Working with a staff and translator from Division Midway Alliance, Phuoc, the owner of Van Nien, shared with the Portland Office of Small Business: “I started the business to create a stable livelihood for myself while providing healthy vegetarian food that can benefit the community. Through Van Nien, I hope to encourage healthier choices, kindness, and positive actions while sharing food that brings people together.”
What role does the community play in your business?
Phuoc: The community plays a very important role. I am deeply grateful for my customers, especially returning customers, whose support and encouragement motivate me to maintain high standards for quality, cleanliness, and genuine care. Their continued support gives me the strength to stay committed to my business, especially during challenging times.
Every customer who visits, shares my food with others, or returns helps Van Nien grow and become more connected to the community. I truly appreciate the trust people place in my food and the opportunity to serve healthy, delicious vegetarian dishes.
My hope is that Van Nien can continue to be a place where people enjoy good food while also encouraging healthier choices, kindness, and positive actions in the community.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Phuoc: One of my biggest challenges has been the rising cost of operating the business while trying to build a stable customer base. Because my business is set back from the main street and not easily visible, many people may not realize we are here. This makes it difficult to attract new customers and grow.
As a small business owner, I also manage many responsibilities on my own, from preparing food and maintaining quality and cleanliness to managing expenses and keeping the business running.
Despite these challenges, I continue to save and reinvest in Van Nien so I can improve the quality of my food, expand my menu, and make the business stronger and more sustainable.
